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These Are the Active Ingredients in Crossbow Herbicide and Their Effects

Are you considering Crossbow herbicide for weed control but wondering if it works and if it will harm your grass?

Read on to learn more about Crossbow, including its active ingredients, their effects, and application tips.

Active Ingredients and Their Effects

Crossbow is a powerful weed killer containing two active ingredients: 2,4-D and Triclopyr. The two systemic herbicides provide a potent combination with a rainfast of only two hours. 

Let’s take a look at each active ingredient:

1. 2,4-D

2,4-D ester forms 34.4% of the herbicide. This ingredient is known for its potent effect on various broadleaf weeds but does not affect grasses. 

Once applied, it causes the cells that carry water and nutrients to grow uncontrollably and shuts down photosynthesis, killing unwanted plants.

2. Triclopyr

Triclopyr BEE (butoxy ethyl ester) forms 16.5% of the product. In addition to killing broadleaf weeds, it offers reinforced control of unwanted woody plants. 

The ester mimics auxin, a growth hormone causing uncontrolled growth and disorganized cell function which eventually causes death. 

Crossbow Herbicide Application Tips 

Apply the herbicide on actively growing foliage for the best results
Apply the herbicide on actively growing foliage for the best results. Image: Canva/onfokus

As a post-emergent herbicide, Crossbow herbicide can offer excellent control of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, woody plants, and brushes.

However, as a non-selective herbicide, you must apply it correctly to get the best weed control results while protecting your grass turf.

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Here are a few application tips:

  • Strictly follow the mixture measurements as per the package instructions
  • Apply on actively growing foliage
  • Apply in season or dormancy
  • Spray on low-wind conditions to avoid drift on desirable plants

When correctly measured and applied, Crossbow herbicide does not affect grass. Additionally, there are no grazing restrictions except for lactating dairy animals.